Big Six firm taps rival’s former Asia practice head

Clayton Utz has confirmed that it has hired Ashurst’s former head of restructuring and insolvency (R&I) in Asia.

Tim Sackar has been appointed as the newest partner in Clayton Utz’s R&I practice. The move comes as the firm’s leadership continues to focus on areas of strong growth opportunity and client demand, it said.

Sackar, who spent nearly six years at Ashurst as partner, is known for his domestic and international work in R&I. In addition to heading Ashurst’s R&I practice in Asia, he also led the global firm’s alternate investment funds practice for Australia and Asia.

The top lawyer returns to Clayton Utz, where he started his career in 1998, before moving to Allen & Overy in London and Hong Kong. He then transferred to Hogan Lovells in Hong Kong before moving to Ashurst.

Sackar’s experience includes working on major matters in Australia, Asia, and the UK. His expertise includes restructurings, workouts, and cross-border insolvencies, as well as related contentious matters.

Rob Cutler, Clayton Utz’s chief executive partner, said that Sackar’s team-based, client-focused approach to his practice is a good fit for the firm’s R&I team.

“We also see significant opportunities for him to work collaboratively with our other practice groups, particularly financial services and corporate,” he said.